A major
new local music charity, the St Matthew’s Music
Foundation, was launched by David Laing, Lord Lieutenant
of Northamptonshire, at a St Cecilia’s Day concert given
by the illustrious choir of the famous St Matthew’s
Church, Kingsley, at 7.30pm on Thursday 22 November.
The choir performed several famous anthems
commissioned by the church, including Benjamin Britten’s
internationally known piece, Rejoice in the Lamb.
Solo performances were given by Sophie Stringfellow, a
finalist of the BBC Radio 2 “Young Chorister of the Year
competition” and Joseph Hirst, a talented young organist
who is also a chorister in the choir.
Simon Toyne, Chair of the St Matthew's Music
Foundation, said, “We have set up the Foundation to
develop a wider support base, nationally and
internationally, attracting funds to develop the music
programme of the church in innovative and far-reaching
ways.
Our aim is to widen access to the English choral
tradition through increasing the church’s musical
partnership work with schools, funding an organ
scholarship scheme to generate the church organists of
the future, establishing choral scholars in partnership
with the university, and enhancing the offer to adult
singers through dedicated singing tuition. We want to
enable St Matthew’s to be a hub for the community at
large to connect to our rich cultural heritage as
enthusiastic participants.”
Justin Miller, Director of Music, said, “If we
want to expose every child in Northampton to the joys of
a chorister education, we must first let them know that
the opportunity exists right here on their doorstep.
With proper training and commitment there is no reason
why they shouldn’t be able to sing difficult music to a
high standard. But we will never know if we don’t try
first. It is hoped that through the Foundation we might
be able to reach every child in town and build upon the
important work that we’ve been doing for 125 years.”
 The
Vicar, Canon Nicholas Setterfield, said, “St
Matthew’s is a parish church of significance and
national reputation, famed not only for its remarkable
tradition of commissioning new music, art and
literature, but for the dignity of its worship, the
integration of the English choral tradition, and the
quality of its choir. We owe a debt of gratitude to that
great patron of art and second Vicar of this Parish, Fr
Walter Hussey, for his remarkable perception and
foresight in initiating this venerable tradition.
St Matthew’s continues to provide often career building
opportunities for young musicians to flourish and
progress, also to participate on a par with adults. A
distinguished succession of singers and cathedral
directors of music have received their formative
experiences here; they have gone on to offer their gifts
in the service of the wider Church. Countless others,
now dispersed far and wide, remember their musical
experiences at St Matthew’s with genuine affection, and
a smile on their face. They have discovered the
potential for music to enrich lives and elevate worship,
raising the whole self to God. Their current successors
will doubtless this evening more than justify their
place within the living tradition in which they stand.
With the creation of the Music Foundation we honour the
past and – crucially – we look to the future. We seek to
develop and expand our musical offering, to fulfil the
potential of this sought-after venue in new and
imaginative ways, to create a cultural hub, to pursue
excellence for the many, provide new opportunities for
shared learning and community encounter, and to
stimulate a wider appreciation of and engagement with
the musical endeavour.”
David Laing, Lord Lieutenant, "in launching
the Foundation, congratulated committee members for
raising the £22,000 to purchase the wonderful new
concert piano for the church. He then compared the
nurturing of children in the musical education that the
Foundation will develop to the biblical parable of the
sowers. He said, “we all know that seed scattered on the
ground does not grow into a fruitful harvest if it is
not encouraged, tended and nurtured.”
For further information, email the St Matthew’s Music
Foundation at
music@stmatthews-northampton.org.uk; tel 01604
791251 |
